New outbreak of swine flu detected in George

A new outbreak of African Swine Fever has been detected in the Western Cape. The Western Cape’s Agriculture Department says the flu was detected in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George, on 7 February 2024.

This is the fourth outbreak of this disease in the Garden Route area since 2022. Previously there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023 which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022 which, the department says, remains a concern.

PICTURE: The Pig Site

MEC, Dr. Ivan Meyer, estimates that about 45 pigs have died thus far with about 250 pigs remaining in the area.

‘’The area has been placed under quarantine and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent further spread of the disease.’’

Swine flu is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease. The virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals.

Meyer reiterated that pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption.

‘’ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals. The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection.’’

Meyer called on all pig owners to implement strict biosecurity to protect their livestock from this disease and to call their nearest State Veterinary Office should farmers have any concerns.

The following measures are critical to minimising the spread:

·        All carcasses should be disposed of safely;

·        Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease;

·        Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig, so people do not spread the virus between animals;

·        Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs; and

·        Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.

‘’Good biosecurity measures remain the best way to protect the pig industry. Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs. Still, in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite. Occasionally the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit,’’ said Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Agricultural MEC.

Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease-control/.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

No new African Swine Fever cases reported in the Southern Cape

The Western Cape's Agricultural Department said that no other African Swine Fever cases have been reported in Mossel Bay and George in the Southern Cape since January.

The province's veterinary officials estimate that about 370 pigs have died due to the disease in these areas.

‘’The areas remain under quarantine, and local municipalities are assisting with the disposal of carcasses and disinfection. One hundred and twenty pig farmers attended last week’s ASF awareness and pig information days in Mossel Bay. George and Plettenberg Bay. The sessions focused on the disease, biosecurity, and pig feeding,’’ said MEC, Dr. Ivan Meyer

The MEC urged farmers to continue disposing carcasses responsibly

‘’I urge farmers to continue to dispose of carcasses responsibly and in line with the guidelines provided by State Veterinary Services and the municipalities.’’

‘’Farmers should also continue to implement strict biosecurity to prevent the entry of the disease into their herds,’’ added Meyer.

 

PICTURE: The Pig Site

Done By: Mitchum George